Abstract: An orbital tensile drive is herein disclosed, along with systems and methods associated therewith. The orbital tensile drive uses a tensile element that is conveyed around a static, fixed shaft and a rotating output shaft. This is facilitated via multiple orbiting idler pulleys that are mounted to an orbiter body. The static and rotating shafts, as well as the orbiting assembly, share a common axis. Input rotation to the orbiter body is transformed into lower-speed, higher-torque rotation at the rotating output shaft. The present invention has many potential applications including, but not limited to, robotics.

Abstract: A system includes a controller, a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) unit, first and second dampers, and first and second pressure sensors. The first damper is positioned at a first air duct that supplies air from an exterior of a premises. The second damper is positioned at a second air duct that supplies air from an interior of the premises. The first pressure sensor is configured to detect an air pressure exterior to the premises. The second pressure sensor is configured to detect an air pressure within the premises. The controller is configured to receive the detected exterior air pressure and the detected interior air pressure, and the controller is configured to change the air pressure within the premises by adjusting at least one of the first damper and the second damper based on the detected exterior and interior air pressures.

Abstract: A foldable keyboard comprises a pair of keyboard panels with a proximal panel pivotal over a distal panel about a keyboard hinge oriented laterally with respect to and located between two adjacent rows of keys of the keyboard. A stand panel is pivotally coupled to the distal panel at a stand hinge oriented laterally with respect to the keyboard, and pivotal over the proximal panel of the keyboard. A kickstand can be pivotally coupled to a back of the stand panel. A shelf can be pivotally coupled to a front of the stand panel at a shelf hinge located proximate to the stand hinge to receive the tablet computer thereon.

Abstract: A game system may receive an attack by a first player against a second player. The game system may notify a third player of the attack and provide the third player the option to intervene. The game system may notify the second player of the attack and provide the second player the option to mitigate damage from the attack. The game system may notify the third player based on their status as guildmates, neighbors, or connection in a social network with the first player or the second player. The option to intervene or mitigate may be available for a limited period of time. Responding to the attack may add units to the battle, reduce damage taken, or generate other benefits.

Abstract: Methods and systems are directed to the trapping of enemy units in a game. A game may give each player control of a certain territory or area. Each player may build or place buildings within their territory. Each player may build units capable of attacking the territory of one or more other players. One or more players may place traps within their territory. An attacking enemy unit may be captured by the trap. A captured unit may be put to work for the capturing player (e.g., to generate resources for the capturing player). In some example embodiments, a captured unit may be freed in a later attack, and resume fighting for its former controller or its liberator.

Abstract: In one example, a teeter totter is provided that includes four support arms spaced apart at substantially equal angular intervals, with a seat being attached to each of the support arms. A hub of the teeter totter includes top and bottom plates which cooperate to at least partly define four sockets, and each of the sockets receives an end of a corresponding support arm. A plastic receiver is connected to the hub, and a plastic pivot is rotatably engaged with the receiver such that the pivot and the receiver cooperate to enable simultaneous movement of the seats in three dimensions. Finally, a base is provided that supports the pivot.

Abstract: It is taught that two reflective parabolic or paraboloidal surfaces of different scales whose axes point in opposite directions but which share a common focal point can be used as an image forming telescope. If only a portion of a parabolic or paraboloidal sliced along the optical axis is used as the surfaces, then they can be configured so that light rays strike the surfaces at such angles as to be totally internally reflected. Thus a solid prism can be constructed that serves as telescopic or non-imaging collector of light with no loss of energy due to internal reflection or refraction. Since this system does not depend on an optically precise entry surface, it may be useful in fiber optic and solar power applications.

Abstract: Embodiments of a wrist-worn instrument face display that has dot matrix indicating icons for programming or prompting the instrument. The icons may be single or combinations of symbols, numbers and text. In particular, the icons indicate a function of the instrument, and “point” to a specific function key located near the instrument face to indicate which key is to be pressed, and how many times it is to be pressed, and/or what plurality of keys are to be pressed and in what order, in order to obtain an identified, desired read-out on the instrument face or display. This way, operation of several functions, even ones requiring multiple keystrokes, may be easily accomplished by the user without referring to the operations manual.

Abstract: The power cable includes an elongated cable having a plurality of conductors extending therewithin and first and second connectors positioned at respective ends of the elongated cable. Each connector includes a plurality of contacts which are connected to corresponding conductors within the cable. An alarm member is integrally associated with the cable and includes an audible alarm which is responsive to an alarm switch positioned within either the first or the second connector. A battery powered alarm system may also be provided to actuate when the cable is disconnected from the a.c. outlet.

Abstract: A bicycle type seat having a shell, preferably resilient material or padding thereon, and a top cover on the resilient material or padding. The seat has a wide rear portion and a relatively narrow nose extending forward of the rear portion in a longitudinal direction. There is at least one reinforcing strut which extends longitudinally and is secured to the seat adjacent the nose and the rear portion.There is provided a support which includes at least one tab and side portions. The side portions extend on the lower surface of the shell substantially corresponding to the shape of the rear portion of the seat. The tab extends from the side portions over the upper surface of the shell. A fitted portion of the top cover is located between the support and the shell whereby a clamping action is exerted thereon.In manufacture, the support secures the rear portion of the top cover to the shell and permits the remainder of the top cover to be stretched forward and press-fitted around the rest of the shell.

Abstract: A cycle computer has a pair of push-buttons connected respectively to a mode switch and to an on/off switch. Sequential actuation of the mode switch places the computer selectively in one of a plurality of Modes including a "stop watch" mode. Alternate actuation of the on/off switch, while in the stop watch mode, turns the stop watch function on and off. Simultaneous depression of both push-buttons, while the computer is in stop watch mode, resets the stop watch mode and at least two other modes. To facilitate resetting under poor visibility conditions, or when it would be unsafe to divert the rider's attention from the road or other traffic, the push-buttons abut along a common line and have a shared recess straddling that line which can be located by feel alone, enabling the push-buttons to be depressed simultaneously with one thumb while both rider's hands safely grip the handlebar.

Abstract: A signal detector for a cycle computer comprises a head, a sensor supported by the head, and a flexible strap having one end connected to the head. The head includes a housing having a curved abutment surface shaped to bear against the curved abutment surface of a support tube such as a leg of a bicycle fork or a rear stay tube. The head has a strap-guiding surface defining one wall of a strap-receiving passageway extending completely through the housing and tangent to the curved abutment surface. The passageway has a strap entrance portion adjacent the curved abutment surface and a strap exit portion remote from it. The strap has transverse teeth along the inside surface facing inwardly into the passageway when the strap extends through it. In the embodiment disclosed, the head is molded of plastics material and includes an integral pawl in the passageway.